Farooq Sattar calls for countrywide referendum on new provinces

Speaking at a “National Dialogue” organised by the Graduate Forum Pakistan here on Saturday, Sattar said the existing four provinces had failed to deliver meaningful political and administrative reforms, with power remaining concentrated among a few families.

“We have to admit that we are not economically, politically and socially independent,” he said, adding that expectations of improved governance following the 18th Constitutional Amendment had not been fulfilled. Sattar said the MQM-Pakistan had submitted a constitutional amendment bill aimed at clearly defining the powers of local governments.

He stressed that Pakistan needed an effective system of local governance in an era when the world was rapidly advancing through technology and artificial intelligence. The MQM leader proposed dividing Sindh into North, Central, South, West and East Sindh, while granting Karachi a special status within Sindh.

He also called for cities and villages across the province to be given direct administrative powers and resources. He criticised successive democratic governments for weakening or abolishing local government systems, noting that local governments had continued to function even during periods of martial law.

Sattar said the people’s opinion should be sought under Clause 6 of Article 48, expressing confidence that residents of Larkana and other parts of Sindh would support the creation of new administrative units. He also proposed holding a joint rally on Shahrah-e-Faisal in support of new provinces, describing the issue as a matter of Pakistan’s survival, security and prosperity.

“A public referendum should be held across the country, or in areas where there is a demand for new provinces,” Sattar stressed.